Truss



July 26 1927- w. D. RAY

TRUSS Filed May 11, 192e I nventor Attorney Patented July 26, `1927.

` N UNITED STATES! 'WILLIAM D. RAY, or LA FAYETTE, esonera PATENT OFFICE.

'muss 'Application med may 11,

` ducedone which I believe to be novel and extensive improvement upon the prior devices.

Usually, the ordinary truss simply embodies a pad and supporting straps therefor, and Vwhen in place, the pad exerts a direct pressure upon the hernia,4 thus forcing it inwardly and allowing the surrounding portions to protrude.

It follows that I propose to provide a device of this kind which includes `the pad, a highly practical..one, owing to its vadjustability, together with surrounding portions which extend beyond the affected spot, and constitute support, thus forming a much better and comfortable appliance if conscientiously worn, will undoubtedly benefit the patient.

The device is seen in the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure l is a front elevation,

Fig, 2 is a rear elevation of the same,

Fig. 3 is a vertical section through thel pad itself,

F ig. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the pocket constituting a part of the pad, and Fig. 5 is Va detail line 5-5 of Fig. l.

"Specifically speaking, the device is designated in its entirety by the` reference character l and it is preferably composed of two plies of leather. The inner ply 2 is o f comparatively thin and soft leather, whlle the outer ply 3 is of a much stiffer and stronger texture. In side elevation, the two plies of. material are out to provide radiating-portions, the marginal edges of which embody the proper curvature to permit the dev1oe to accurately conform toV the portions of the body with which they co-act.

At this time, I would direct attention to the fact that the marginal edge portion of the inner ply of material is folded around i section taken on the noticed also that due to the peculiar ,1926. serial No. 108,324.

theadjacent marginal edge of the comple.

mental ply 3 as indicatedin Fig. 5 and desL ignated` att. Then thefree edge portion is brought against theply as at-5 and is This pro-' permanently stitched in place. vides a marginal binder and avoids the otherwise rough edge of the stili' ply 3, thus assuring comfort.

It will be noticed that in forming the device, a pocket 6 is provided at the center of the top portion, this pocket embodying the shape of the customary pad. The edges of the two plies are provided with openings i for passage of a lace 7. Obviously, the lace is passed through the opening in the well known manner and the free ends are tied into a bow as indicated in Fig. l. This pocket is adapted to be filled with absorbent material 8, and the feature of this construction is that the wearer-.can use his own discretion in making the pad either softor hard by placing more or less material in the pocket.

Frequently, the usual pad is so stiff and hard, that the inconvenience and lack of comfort almost overbalances the relief obtained. As indicated in Fig. l, the end portions 9 of an elastic belt are attached to the upper branches of the pliable body l, and a felt strap orv the like l() is attached to the remaining depending branch. Obviously the belt is worn around the waist in the usualway, and the strap l0 is passed rear f wardly between the legs of the wearer and is attached at its rear end to the belt.

As before stated, the gist of the inven-r tion is in the formation of the leather body which includes the three radiating branches extending from the adjustable pocket. The portions of the material projecting from the pocket serve to eifectively support the part of the body around the affected part, and` this overcomes undue strain and renders the device vmuch more comfortable. Itk will be p shape of the pliable body of leather, it may ybe worn either on the left side or the right side, as the wearer demands.

Having thus described my invention, what l. As a new article of manufacture, kan

appliance of the class described comprising a pliable body including an adjustable pad in the form ofa pocket adapted to receive a quantity of absorbent material, said body being of a configuration to form a plurality of radiating extensions, to the top ones of which the ends of a body encircling belt `may be connected, and to the lower one of which, a leg strap may be connected. i

2. An appliance of the class described comprising a pliable bod composed of inner and outer plies of material stitched together around their marginal edves, the central and upper portions of the plies being Stitched to'gether at predetermined points to formulate the marginal portion of a pocket, liavinff .its entrance disposed at the top edge of 'Sa body and sind pocket being 'adapted "depends from to be filled with absorbent material to form a pad to press directly against the affected parts, the portions of the body surrounding the pocket forming a plurality of radiating branches, the two top ones of which are in alineinent with each other and are adapted or connection of the ends of a body encircling strap, and the remaining one of which ltheV bottom portion of the pocket and is adapted for connection of a leg strap. y 'y ,A Y"

1n testimony whereof l ,ajiix 'xn signature.

\ WILLIAM RAY, 

